How important is it to love your job? Only 29% of Americans do, according to a recent global survey.
I know I love mine as a career coach, and find it sad that more people don't feel the same about their jobs. Going to work with anticipation of achievement and self-satisfaction puts a smile on my face. I get enthused about what the day may bring my way as I help my career coaching clients reach their goals. I believe I'm truly working from my life's purpose with my career being a vehicle for me to express who I truly am.
My curiosity was piqued by this global survey. So much so, I posted a question about it on LinkedIn to get others' perspectives. What was surprising were the differing view points that showed up, some truly stopping me in my tracks. My assumption has always been that everyone dreams of loving their jobs - but do they? Does this matter to workers?
Apparently, not loving your job raises a lot of issues:
1) Would people change jobs or careers if given the opportunity? Do we really have choices?
One LinkedIn respondent answered, "We all get to choose, Meg." But do we - really? While I think there are all kinds of choices - do I want to major in Chemistry or Computer Programming - we impose restrictions on ourselves influenced by external factors. How about job opportunities after graduation - what will the job market need? Can I predict several years ahead to make sure I choose the "right" (a relative term) college major? And don't forget, most of us will change careers and jobs several times throughout our lives.
The middle-aged careerist faces a different challenge. Following a layoff, what does she do if her career choice no longer exists - that is, the job has completely gone away? Survival has to figure into any career change she makes as she undoubtedly has bills to pay, maybe children to support. Can she really afford to invest the time and money into re-training so she may enter a new field at the low end of the pay scale?
2) Are people afraid to pursue other work due to this uncertain economy?
LinkedIn answer: "Wherever people are in life, they tend to lose their dreams and settle for what they have. Over a period of time, they get bored with or dislike their J. O. B.; however and particularly in these days of economic crisis, most people are reluctant to make changes because they, at least, have a job."
It's sad when we let fear dominate our choices. Fear is a negative motivator, though very real. What if you could hang on to your job while still exploring more suitable career options? Could you lose the fear and choose to embrace hope instead? Time can become a nuisance in the career change process, but you can still choose your priorities. Don't become stuck win your assumptions - discover what's best for you!
3) Is any job better than no job?
LinkdedIn answer: "I find it baffling that only 29% of Americans love their jobs in this economic downturn. Every individual that is currently employed should love their job. We all need to count our blessings."
Burnout from overwork and underpay can negatively impact gratitude. Don't believe everything you hear, especially in the media - there are still good jobs out there needing to be filled. Finding the right fit has always been a lengthy process of analysis, exploration, and application. Today it just takes a little longer.
4) Should people rethink their view of work - perhaps it's just a way to earn money, not a way of life?
LinkedIn answer: "Most people don't manage their careers, set goal(s), or take preemptive career change action. As a result, they end up feeling 'stuck' and settling for less than they are capable of achieving."
Does that sound like you? We can all become guilty of surrendering our personal power to our employers. Remember, you are CEO of Me, Inc. - manage your career as if it's your own business. Never become complacent or take your job for granted. As soon as you do, your choices will become fewer.
What's your opinion about why so few people love their jobs?
There are still four days left to respond to my LinkedIn question, or please leave your comments below. This is a topic that affects all of us. Speak your mind! I want to hear from you.
Wishing your career success in 2011!
Meg
In our litigious culture, anyone can come up with a reason why they were "discriminated" against in the interview process. This puts many HR departments in a defensive position right from the start. Answering any requests for feedback will only increase their liability.
Posted by: GregHerman | April 04, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Thanks for your comments. While being "bold" can get you noticed, when will acting that way NOT work in your favor? Sorry, but I disagree with you about asking for feedback following a job interview. No employer likes being put on the spot and will usually brush you off with generalities, if he responds at all. However, debriefing with a professional career coach about your interview can help you evaluate areas where you want to improve. I do agree with you that the job search process is much more involved and challenging that 1-2-3. That's why career advice books are written about it, not just blog posts. Also, that's why it's a good idea to get help from a reputable career coaching program.
Posted by: Meg Montford | March 31, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Finding work is not 1-2-3. If you are not the successful candidate on a particular hire, be bold about presenting yourself for other opportunities and ask for the chance. Also ask to debrief on what you did, or did not, present that lost you the opportunity. Be open to learn where you need to make corrections, and don’t let pride keep you from asking for a solid evaluation. Showing you are serious about working at a particular company and open to knowing what is important to be successful there will set you apart.
http://employmentgenius.com/
Posted by: jobseeker | March 31, 2011 at 05:23 AM